Getting started

Not sure how to begin your fundraising? No problem. Here are our top tips for a flying start.

Enjoy it

The first three letters of ‘fundraising’ are no coincidence – so do everything you can to enjoy yourself.

Make a plan

We love a fundraising plan at Norfolk and Waveney Mind. It’s the perfect way to avoid any nasty surprises further down the line.

Get online

When it comes to fundraising, the internet is your best friend. Make sure you’ve set up a fundraising page and you’re online telling people what you’re doing. It means less effort to reach more people. Win-win.

Fundraising online is great – it’s free, it’s quick, it’s secure, donations reach us automatically and you can contact people worldwide by simply reaching for your phone. Combine it with some creative thinking on social media and you’ll hit your target in no time.

Five steps to setting up your fundraising page

1. Make it personal

Let people know why you’ve chosen Norfolk and Waveney Mind and what your challenge means to you. It’ll help people relate to what you’re doing.

2. Say thanks

When you set up your page, follow the steps to write a personal thank you message. This will then be sent to everyone who donates.

3. Get snapping

Upload a photo of yourself (or the person you’re raising money to remember or celebrate). Norfolk and Waveney Mind t-shirt definitely recommended.

4. Set a target

It shows your progress, encourages people to donate and helps to keep you motivated too.

5. Don't be shy

Email the link to your page to everyone in your contacts list and ask everyone to pass it on. When you’re fundraising more is definitely merrier.

Top Tip! JustGiving

You can set up your JustGiving page via justgiving.com/charity/norfolkandwaveneymind
Click ‘Start Fundraising’ and you’ll be taken through the set-up process step-by-step.

Shout about it

If your friends, family and colleagues don’t know what you’re up to, they can’t get involved – so make as much noise as you can and let everyone know what you’re doing and why.

Ask and ask again

Don’t let people forget – share the link to your page around more than once, particularly as the event approaches.

Get social

Email the link to your page to everyone in your contacts list and remember to share your fundraising page on your social media channels. Ask everyone to pass it on - the more the merrier! We’ve got some top tips and links to supporting materials on the next page.

Add cash and cheques

In person donations can be added to the offline section of your fundraising page.

Don’t stop too soon

The finish line isn’t the end! Once the event is done, update your fundraising page and post about your achievements on social media. It’s a handy final prompt to anyone who’s been meaning to donate.

Three tips to shine on social media

Share your motivation

Bringing to life what you’re doing and why on Facebook and Instagram can really boost your fundraising total.

Become a film star

You can upload to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat or TikTok. Or there are apps that can help you get creative with easy editing and speedy footage. Have a go and see what happens.

Be proud

People often worry they’ll annoy their friends by asking for donations, but you’re doing something amazing – and the trick is to keep people interested. Post regular, engaging updates to social media and people will always be happy to hear from you.

Fundraiser story: Plunky's All Stars

Over the last decade, I’ve been organising annual charity football matches – playing with friends, colleagues, and an occasional professional footballer as well. We were fortunate enough to play at some most amazing professional venues whilst raising close to £100k for 15 various charities.

When a close family friend took his own life during Christmas 2022, we decided to support the three local charities that had supported him and his family when they needed it most.

I heard first-hand about how Norfolk and Waveney Mind had helped the family with their support and of just how amazing they had been at this incredibly sad and challenging time.

What I would say to anyone that would like to fundraise: every penny that you raise – whatever the final total is – makes you amazing.

We had a fantastic event at the Football Development Centre, raising much needed funds and smashing our £25k target in the process, thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, not forgetting our football players as well.

This hard-raised money will not only help others first hand, but also those around them.

Go and smash it and enjoy helping others that really do rely on people like you in the process.